An investigation is underway after a man was shot several times in Dublin city centre last night.

He has been named locally as Eddie Staunton (25).

It’s understood the victim was shot several times, including once in the groin.

The victim was on a bike which was rammed off the road by a car on Sean McDermott Street before he was chased down and shot.

Last night, he was receiving emergency surgery and said to be in a serious condition at the Mater Hospital.

The victim had made his way back to the Liberty House flats complex on Railway Street after being shot and gardai were notified of the incident.

It’s understood the targeted man has connections to the Hutch family and gardai are now investigating if the attack was feud-related. He is not believed to be part of the feud.

The incident took place at around 9.55pm last night.

Gardai said he was struck by a Silver Ford Focus.

The person who carried out the attack is described as being tall, slim to medium build and was wearing a dark top over a grey hooded jumper, dark bottoms and dark runners with a white sole.

Gardai investigate the shooting of a man on Railway street in Dublin's North Inner city. Picture:Arthur Carron

WOUNDS

“From initial investigations it appears that a man received a number of gunshot wounds to the body,” an initial garda statement said last night.

There was a heavy garda presence at the scene of the shooting as locals came to terms with the attack.

“Two fire brigade engines arrived at the scene and then about six or seven garda cars seemed to come from everywhere” said one local.

An ambulance stopped outside Peadar Kearney house, an apartment block within the complex. At least 30

uniformed gardai were involved in the operation as the area was sealed off.

A number of streets were blocked following the incident, while communal areas within the complex were sealed off.

Investigating gardai are appealing for witnesses who may have information or for anyone who may have seen anything unusual or suspicious to contact them at Store Garda Station on 01 666 800, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666111 or at any garda station.